Herbie 1963 Volkswagen Beetle beats record at Bonhams

A 1963 Volkswagen Beetle that appeared onscreen in Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo has sold for $86,250.

It was among the top lots of Bonhams' Treasures from the Dream Factory sale held in New York on November 23.

Herbie Bonhams Monaco
The car was rigged to be driven by a passenger in the rear

The lot was last sold for $55,250 on eBay in 2014 - that's impressive growth of 56.1% in a single year.

It's also a new record for any VW Beetle at auction, just surpassing the previous $82,500 record set for a 1955 cabriolet last year.

Bonhams comments: "Originally built for Herbie Rides Again (1974) and also used in Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo, it is one of the ingenious 'Invisible Driver' Herbies.

"Modified with an elaborate system of sprockets and pulleys connected to a second steering column under the front seat, the driver sits in the backseat to give the impression that the car is driving itself.

"This car also has the distinction of being the only vehicle ever to leave its tire print in the cement at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, during promotion for Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo."

The sale also saw a world record set for a dress worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz.

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